​Beetroot is in abundance this time of year. So it's only natural todays blog is all about this ruby red superfood. Sometimes when we think of superfoods, we think wheatgrass, spirulina, goji berries and chia seeds. However, in Ireland it is very easy to grow your own superfood in your back garden. Beetroots are a prime example of how local and inespensive superfoods can be.

Fortunately for me, my friend Marsha was a little over ambitious when planting her beets in spring and has kindly shared with me some of her harvest!!

According to an article in Medical News Today by Megan Ware a 2008 study published in Hypertension examined the effects of ingesting 500mls of beetroot juice in healthy volunteers and found that blood pressure was significantly lowered after ingestion. Researchers hypothesized this was likely due to the high nitrate levels contained in beet juice and that the high nitrate vegetables could prove to be a low cost and effective way to treat cardiovascular conditions and blood pressure. Beetroot is also very rich in choline - an important nutrient in regulating sleep, muscle movement, memory and learning. Choline is essential in keeping cell membranes healthy - allowing for the transmission of nerve impulses, aiding in the absorption of fat and reducing inflammation. And for all you fitness warriors out there beetroots are rich in the anti-oxidant nitrate. This is the key to keeping your blood oxygenated and enhance tolerance to longterm endurance exercise.

Picked early in the growing season the young leaves can be added to salads or used to make beautiful pestos. The bulb can be grated into salads, roasted, steamed, fermented and juiced!! So if you are like my friend and have too many beetroots consider your self lucky. Set aside a couple of hours and bake an indulgent beetroot brownie, let some more simmer away into a savoury chutney for homemade Christmas hampers, ferment another 2 or 3 into the best kvass tonic your body will ever know or stock up that freezer with these hearty beety burgers! Check out the recipe overon my facebook page Marians Nutrition Therapy - just copy and paste the link into your browser. (check out my prescription page for all nourishing recipe links)

Leave a Reply.

nourish life with Marian

Young at heart mother of one with a passion for food, foraging & fun with friends!As a qualified clinical nutrition therapist since 2013 I am determined to spread information on just how easy real true health is. I will endeavour to share as much as I can with you here through recipes, stories and the odd photo.

You are welcome to contact me to arrange a consultation or enquire about any of my workshops. Follow me on facebook Marians Nutrition Therapy for the latest